Collapsible structure for patios and driveways

ABSTRACT

A collapsible and removable roof-like structure or enclosure is provided. The collapsible structure includes a plurality of collapsible sections, each section having two vertical support members having lower end portions and two longitudinal side panel members. Each side panel member has a top edge and side edges. The collapsible structure includes a longitudinal top panel member having opposed edges with each of the longitudinal opposed edges hingedly attached to the adjacent top edge of the each side panel member. The top panel member includes two longitudinal panel members being hinged together at adjacent end edges. Each of the plurality of collapsible sections is of a steadily varying size so that when assembled, they form an extended longitudinal structure. The collapsible structure includes tube members which can be embedded in the ground for receiving the lower end portion of the vertical support members.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to collapsible, portable structures or enclosures for patios and driveways.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In northern climates where winter is accompanied by considerable snowfall, it is advantageous to provide temporary shelter for driveways or patios during the winter months. Portable structures such as tents, ice fishing huts or prefabricated homes are well known in the art. Many of these structures are large, bulky and difficult for one person to assemble and disassemble. In addition, most of these collapsible structures come in a fixed size and cannot readily be expanded to suit the particular size or dimensions of a driveway or patio.

[0003] For these reasons, there is a need for new and improved means to provide temporary, expandable and collapsible covers or shelters for driveways and patios during winter months which can be easily assembled and disassembled and stored when not required.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible and removable structure which can be installed on a driveway or patio in winter to protect the driveway or patio from snow. In spring, they can be collapsed, folded and stored in a garage or basement.

[0005] The present invention provides a plurality of collapsible sections. Each section includes two vertical support members having lower end portions and two longitudinal side panel members with a side panel member being attached to an associated vertical support member. Each side panel member has a top edge and side edges. The collapsible structure includes a longitudinal top panel member having opposed edges with the top panel member being hingedly attached at one of the opposed edges to the top edge of one of the side panel members and hingedly attached at the other of the opposed edges to the top edge of the other side panel member. The collapsible structure includes means for supporting the vertical support members substantially vertically in spaced apart relation when assembled. Each of the collapsible sections can be positioned in side-edge to side-edge relation with an adjacent collapsible section to form an extended longitudinal structure.

[0006] Preferably the top panel member is two longitudinal panel members being hinged together at adjacent end edges and each of the plurality of collapsible sections is of a steadily varying size so that the side edges of each panel of each collapsible section snugly overlaps with the side edges of each panel of an adjacent collapsible section. The collapsible structure includes tube members which can be embedded in the ground for receiving the lower end portion of the vertical support members.

[0007] In another aspect of the invention the tube members include locking means for locking the vertical support member within the tube member. Specifically, the vertical support member includes a slot located in the lower portion thereof and locking means includes the tube member being provided with a retractable boss member engagable into the slot.

[0008] While used specifically for sheltering from snow, this invention can also expand the space of a garage, providing a simple, lightweight and economical construction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The collapsible roof forming the present invention will now be described, by example only, reference being the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the collapsible roof of the present invention showing a series of collapsible enclosure panels joined together;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the collapsible enclosure panels of FIG. 1;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the roof enclosure panel as shown in FIG. 2 but in the collapsed position; and

[0013]FIG. 4 is an enlarged detailed view, broken away, of the circled portion 4 in FIG. 2 of the roof enclosure support column and ground supporting member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In the following description of the collapsible roof, in reference to the drawings, like numerals refer to like parts. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a collapsible patio or driveway roof is shown generally at 10. Collapsible structure 10 comprises of plurality of collapsible sections, with three such units 12, 14 and 16 being shown in FIG. 1. Collapsible section 12 forms the front enclosure unit and includes a vertical extending rim 20 to prevent water dripping from running down over the opening of the unit. A flexible tarp or canvas 22 attached to the edge of section 12 forms a closure member for the collapsible roof. Similarly, the collapsible section forming the other end of the enclosure is also provided with a rim around the edge and a flexible tarp or canvas to form a closure. Each collapsible section is supported by vertical uprights 30 which when the collapsible structure 10 is assembled are inserted into tubes 28 partially buried in the ground along the sides of the driveway or patio 26. Alternatively, the bottom portions of uprights 30 could be driven directly into the ground instead of using tubes.

[0015]FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of collapsible section 14 comprising vertical upright supports 30 which support the section when it is erected. Side panels 32 and 34 are attached to upright supports 30 and form vertical side panels when the section is erected. The roof of collapsible unit 14 includes two roof panels 38 and 40 connected together by a hinge 42 at the apex of the corresponding roof section. Side panel 32 and roof panel 38 are hinged together by a hinge 46 and roof panel 40 and side panel 34 are hinged together by a hinge 44. Side panel 34 includes clips 50 and 52 located at the ends of panel 34 which are used to lock the collapsed enclosure unit 14 together, best seen in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the top or roof panel may be a single longitudinal panel extending horizontally between the side panels when the collapsible unit is assembled.

[0016] With reference to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, each of the collapsible sections making up a complete collapsible structure is a slightly different size so that a plurality of the units fit together with the edges of each panel of the section tightly or snugly overlapping with the associated panels of the adjacent collapsible sections on either side thereof. In this embodiment, each collapsible section would have a number clearly inscribed on one of the panels clearly indicative of the size of the section. For example, a structure constructed from ten collapsible sections would have the sections consecutively numbered with increasing numbers from one to ten corresponding to increasing size of the sections.

[0017] It will be understood however by those skilled in the art that all the collapsible sections could be made the same size and other means for locking the collapsible sections together could be used. For example, hook and eye units could be installed on the interior of the collapsible units to hold adjacent collapsible sections together with the edges of the panels of adjacent sections abutting each other. Weather stripping, foam or other types of sealer may be affixed along the edges of the panels to provide a seal when adjacent collapsible sections are assembled together.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 4, an enlarged detail view of the tube 28 is shown. Tube 28 includes a pair of spring-loaded locking mechanisms 60 mounted in opposing relationship in the wall of tube 28 having projections 64 which engage cut-out sections 62 of columns 30 to lock collapsible panel 10 (FIG. 1) in place in the tubes. When the collapsible structure is assembled, the user inserts the column 30 into tube 28 whereby the column engages the arcuate surface 66 of locking mechanism 60 pushing it outwards so the column drops into tube 28. The column 30 is locked in place when the spring loaded projections 64 pop into cut-out portions 62 of columns 30. Thus, to erect structure 10, the user can plug column 30 into tube 28, then column 30 is automatically locked when cut-out section 62 reaches the position of the arcuate surface 66. To collapse roof structure 10, the user can simply push button 60 to disengage projections 64. Each collapsible panel unit is then folded as shown in FIG. 3 and clips 50 and 52 engage the folded panels to lock them together. The folded units may then be stored or conveniently transported. The detailed blowup of FIG. 4, shows projection or boss 64 having a spring 80 having a longitudinal arm 82 wrapped around a pivot rod 84 and engaged against an arm 86 attached to button 60. Pushing button 60 causes spring portion 82 to pivot about pivot point 84 thereby retracting boss 64 from the slot in vertical upright 30.

[0019] The different parts of each collapsible section may be made of plastic or alternatively a light metal such as aluminium may be used. As previously discussed, each collapsible section is preferably of a slightly smaller size than the preceding unit in the serially assembled collapsible units and the greater the number of collapsible units the larger the enclosure. This design advantageously prevents water from falling down to the driveway. While used specifically for sheltering from snow, this invention can also expand the space of a garage, providing a simple, lightweight and economical construction.

[0020] While the collapsible and portable structure constructed in accordance with the present invention has been described and illustrated with respect to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed herein. 

I claim:
 1. A collapsible, portable structure, comprising: (a) a plurality of collapsible sections, each section including two vertical support members having lower end portions, two longitudinal side panel members, a side panel member being attached to an associated vertical support member, each side panel member having a top edge and side edges; and (b) a longitudinal top panel member having opposed edges, said top panel member being hingedly attached at one of the said opposed edges to the top edge of one of said side panel members and hingedly attached at the other of said opposed edges to the top edge of the other side panel member.
 2. A collapsible, portable structure, comprising: (a) a plurality of collapsible sections, each section including two vertical support members having lower end portions, two longitudinal side panel members, a side panel member being attached to an associated vertical support member, each side panel member having a top edge and side edges; (b) a longitudinal top panel member having opposed edges, said top panel member being hingedly attached at one of the said opposed edges to the top edge of one of said side panel members and hingedly attached at the other of said opposed edges to the top edge of the other side panel member; and (c) means for supporting said vertical support members substantially vertically in spaced apart relation when assembled, whereby each of said collapsible sections can be positioned in side-edge to side-edge relation with an adjacent collapsible section to form an extended longitudinal structure.
 3. The collapsible structure according to claim 1, wherein said top panel member is two longitudinal panel members being hinged together at adjacent end edges.
 4. The collapsible structure according to claim 2, wherein said top panel member is two longitudinal panel members being hinged together at adjacent end edges.
 5. The collapsible structure according to claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of collapsible sections is of a steadily varying size so that the side edges of each panel of each collapsible section snugly overlaps with the side edges of each panel of an adjacent collapsible section.
 6. The collapsible structure according to claim 2, wherein each of said plurality of collapsible sections is of a steadily varying size so that the side edges of each panel of each collapsible section snugly overlaps with the side edges of each panel of an adjacent collapsible section.
 7. The collapsible structure according to claim 3, wherein each of said plurality of collapsible sections is of a steadily varying size so that the side edges of each panel of each collapsible section snugly overlaps with the side edges of each panel of an adjacent collapsible section.
 8. The collapsible structure according to claim 4, wherein each of said plurality of collapsible sections is of a steadily varying size so that the side edges of each panel of each collapsible section snugly overlaps with the side edges of each panel of an adjacent collapsible section.
 9. The collapsible structure according to claim 1 including tube members which can be embedded in the ground for receiving said lower end portion of said vertical support members.
 10. The collapsible structure according to claim 9, wherein said tube members including locking means for locking said vertical support member within said tube member.
 11. The collapsible structure according to claim 10, wherein said vertical support member includes a slot located in said lower portion thereof, said locking means includes said tube member provided with a retractable boss member engagable into said slot.
 12. The collapsible structure according to claim 1, wherein one of said side panel members of each collapsible section includes clips for locking said side panel members and said top panel members together when the collapsible section is collapsed.
 13. The collapsible structure according to claim 2, wherein one of said side panel members of each collapsible section includes clips for locking said side panel members and said top panel members together when the collapsible section is collapsed.
 14. The collapsible structure according to claim 3, wherein one of said side panel members of each collapsible section includes clips for locking said side panel members and said top panel members together when the collapsible section is collapsed.
 15. The collapsible structure according to claim 4, wherein one of said side panel members of each collapsible section includes clips for locking said side panel members and said top panel members together when the collapsible section is collapsed.
 16. The collapsible structure according to claim 5, wherein one of said side panel members of each collapsible section includes clips for locking said side panel members and said top panel members together when the collapsible section is collapsed.
 17. The collapsible structure according to claim 1, wherein the top panels of the collapsible section forming the ends of said collapsible structure are provided with upstanding rims along the edges of the panels to prevent water dripping from the top panels over the side edges thereof.
 18. The collapsible structure according to claim 2, wherein the top panels of the collapsible section forming the ends of said collapsible structure are provided with upstanding rims along the edges of the panels to prevent water dripping from the top panels over the side edges thereof.
 19. The collapsible structure according to claim 3, wherein the top panels of the collapsible section forming the ends of said collapsible structure are provided with upstanding rims along the edges of the panels to prevent water dripping from the top panels over the side edges thereof.
 20. The collapsible structure according to claim 4, wherein the top panels of the collapsible section forming the ends of said collapsible structure are provided with upstanding rims along the edges of the panels to prevent water dripping from the top panels over the side edges thereof.
 21. The collapsible structure according to claim 5, wherein the top panels of the collapsible section forming the ends of said collapsible structure are provided with upstanding rims along the edges of the panels to prevent water dripping from the top panels over the side edges thereof.
 22. The collapsible structure according to claim 1, wherein said side-edge to side-edge relation comprises the side edges of panel members in adjacent collapsible sections abutting each other.
 23. The collapsible structure according to claim 2, wherein said side-edge to side-edge relation comprises the side edges of panel members in adjacent collapsible sections abutting each other.
 24. The collapsible structure according to claim 3, wherein said side-edge to side-edge relation comprises the side edges of panel members in adjacent collapsible sections abutting each other. 